Ask the experts: Spring 2009

Question from Jacqui Scott: I was attacked by a herd of cows while out walking my dog on a public footpath and bridleway. I escaped with cuts and bruises, but felt badly shaken. Should I report this to prevent a serious incident occurring to someone else? Jacqui Scott
Martin Key: I’m sorry to hear about your scary experience. Currently, only bulls are banned in fields crossed by a right of way, except if they’re either under the age of 10 months, or are not of a recognised dairy breed and accompanied by cows or heifers. However, even cows can become aggressive, especially when they feel their calves are threatened. Health and safety law protects the public, so if you do find yourself in a situation where you are threatened or hurt on a walk, you should contact the Health and Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk) – and the police if the matter is serious. Inform the relevant local highway authority that is responsible for the right of way, and let the Ramblers know, too. Otherwise, when encountering cattle, the Ramblers’ advice is to walk carefully and quietly, keeping dogs under close control (but make sure to let go of the lead should cattle start acting aggressively). If a bull or cow gets very close, face it and take a couple of steps towards it, waving your arms and shouting. And remember: always close any field gates behind you.

Question from Valerie Thompson: As a size-20 woman, I find it impossible to find ladies’ walking jackets and trousers to fit. Where can I go for my gear?
Minnie Burlton: It can be tough to find good outdoor clothing for larger frames but the following brands do sell clothes up to and including size 20: Regatta (www.regatta.com), Peter Storm (www.millets.co.uk), Craghoppers (www.craghoppers.com), Hawkshead (www.hawkshead.com) and Royal Robbins (www.royalrobbins.com). It’s also worth checking manufacturers’ sizing charts (usually on their websites) since Arc’teryx (www.arcteryx.com) and Columbia (www.columbia.com) both produce size 18s which are the equivalent of other manufacturers’ size 20. Rohan (www.rohan.co.uk) also produce a size 18 that’s just half an inch smaller than most size 20s, while Helly Hansen (www.hellyhansen.com) says its women’s XXL is equivalent to an 18-20.

Question from Howard Norfolk: Is there a hand-held GPS with paths marked on a map in the same way as a car satellite-navigation system?
Peter Judd: Most hand-held GPS come with a very basic basemap that is of no use to walkers. More detailed maps cost extra and there are two options: topographical maps with some incomplete footpath data, and full OS maps showing all rights of way. The latter is available either by using PC mapping software downloaded on to a PDA-type product, such as Memory-Map on the Road Angel GPS (www.memory-map.co.uk). Or you can buy GPS units that take a ‘plug & play’ SD card that are pre-loaded with OS maps, such as the Satmap Active10 (www.satmap.com) and Garmin’s Oregon series (www.garmin.co.uk). The in-car sat-nav style of computer-voiced navigation isn’t yet available for walking routes, but is in development.

Question from Fran Evans: I am a life-long walker but, due to osteoarthritis, I’m now facing hip replacement surgery. How far should I be able to walk afterwards?
Dr Helen Crawley: No-one can really predict how far you’ll be able to walk after a hip replacement. If your mobility is already severely limited, the operation should reduce the pain you’ve experienced but although your walking should improve, you’ll still not be able to undertake any long hikes. Before your operation, let your surgeon know that you’re a keen walker. Consult a physiotherapist for advice on strengthening your leg muscles in preparation for surgery and building your upper body muscles to help with using walking aids such as crutches. After the operation, your mobility should improve steadily. Be rigorous about performing the post-operative exercises suggested by the physiotherapist. Damage will be reduced if you avoid high-impact activities such as striding down hills. Walking poles and shock-absorbent poles will help reduce the stresses on your joints.

Send us your questions
Do you want an answer to a health, gear or legal question? Then write to us at walk, Ramblers, 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW or email denise.noble@ramblers.org.uk with your name and address. Letters may be edited and may be included on this website. We are not able to acknowledge letters.

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